MPH in Public Health Nutrition prepares students to promote the nutritional well-being of population groups. Students learn to assess the nutritional needs of various populations, to plan and implement nutrition and food programs and to manage nutritional programs in community and institutional settings. The specialization offers one curriculum for those who are Registered Dietitians (RDs) and another for those without this credential. Graduates work in hospitals; clinics; community programs; local, state, or federal government health departments and in international nutrition programs. Credits: 45

Graduates work to promote the nutritional well-being of population groups by assessing the nutritional needs of populations, evaluating and designing nutrition and food programs, and managing nutritional programs in community and institutional settings. Students have the option to pursue the dietetic internship.

Apply research methodology, interpretation of research literature and integration of research principles into evidence-based practice for public health nutrition

Demonstrate effective oral and written communication and advocacy skills for public health nutrition

Contribute to the design, planning, implementation or evaluation of community nutrition interventions as a member of an interdisciplinary team

Identify and prioritize nutritional problems for individuals at various stages of the life cycle and for diverse population groups using appropriate assessment methodologies

Discuss the role of government and organizational systems and policies that influence accessibility, adequacy and safety of the food supply system (production, processing, distribution, consumption), and the relationship of food, nutrition and lifestyle choices in health promotion and disease prevention

Use social and behavioral theories to inform public health and nutrition research and practice